Such familiar dialogue, I've been hearing it almost every day recently.

This has already become a fixed mode of communication between Rowena and Lindong. Even though the lies have been exposed countless times, Rowena still insists on talking about the dozens of relationships she never had, and if there were a competition in the Imperial Capital for stubbornness, she would definitely be a strong contender for the top three.

The scene here is probably familiar too, as he has probably stayed in this office for a long time. When the black-haired, black-eyed female colleague mentioned the coffee shop across the street, a complete impression of this street was formed in Ethan's mind. In fact, this building has traces in this world.

The investigators of the guild discovered an empty building in an anomalous dimension, fully equipped with facilities and office supplies, yet the building was completely empty.

"This lake allows you to see your inner truth."

The distant voice came closer and closer to Ethan until the whole world flipped once again, and the mist-filled county in the mirror became reality. He returned to Lindong and Rowena's side, and the "robot," facing the lake, calmly said, "Allowing you to briefly see the unchanged, unwarped reality."

The truth Ethan saw might very well be the content of his last project.

This inevitably raised a soul-searching question.

——Master, what is my job?

At least in his current memory, his experience has nothing to do with those confidential tasks, being just a programmer in a big company, who gambled in the stock market and lost all he had, but with some time before retirement, and therefore still having opportunities.

A life neither glorious nor despairing, if there was no crossing over, it would be a life with the end in sight.

Yet the truth flashing across the lake subtly suggested that his last project was closely related to this illusory world.

Lindong and Rowena also stared at the surface of the lake, without uttering a word, having reverted to their small animal forms without anyone noticing.

And what is the matter with that incredibly familiar conversation?

Why does it seem as if there's a Rowena in the real-world project team?

The little purple bat clearly heard the "robot's" whispers and, noticing Ethan's gaze, immediately averted its eyes, coughed slightly, and emphasized, "Why are you looking at me? I was just reminded of my past love history. People who haven't had ten or so romances like you wouldn't understand."

"See, even if people know the truth, they don't want to wake up."

Ethan pointed at the little purple bat, using it as a vivid example to explain to the "robot" the complexity of human nature.

"You're dead meat!"

Rowena was furious, flapping her wings against the back of Ethan's head repeatedly, causing several minor injuries.

Ethan and Lindong really are a perfect pair, even their knack for annoying others is equally matched!

Huh?

It seems "perfect pair" isn't a derogatory term.

Rowena, upon reflection, fell into contemplation, and her flapping against Ethan's head slowed.

The "robot" showed a puzzled expression, appearing unable to comprehend why someone would refuse to wake up after realizing the truth about the real world. Ethan couldn't determine if this person's thinking was naturally so, or if it had been altered to a single-thread brain loop, akin to those Old God's Followers who had been brainwashed. Many of them only possess unidirectional thinking.

Even when they plunge a sharp blade into your body and offer your soul to the Old Gods, they sincerely believe they are helping you reach a blissful world.

"Not all truths are beneficial; forgetting certain things might not be a bad thing."

"...Forgetfulness."

The "robot" sank into a longer contemplation, its thinking unable to grasp Ethan's meaning.

Awakening is happiness, this was its creed, without any room for compromise or roundabout happiness.

Thus, the "robot" finally reached a conclusion.

"You've been brainwashed by the Crimson Queen as well!"

The conversation atmosphere became tense, and Ethan seemed to see a huge exclamation mark appearing above the "robot's" head, along with a surge of robust battle music.

A gigantic mist-weaving antelope transformed into a silvery-white blur, landing between the two parties.

Wriggling tubes extended from a wound split open in its chest.

Summoner "Mad Robot" entered the fray.

This was a sudden battle among summoners. The "robot" and the mist-weaving antelope were in sync, and without command, those tubes that surged from its abdomen attacked Ethan.

Its actions mirrored those of the Old God's Followers Ethan knew, showing no signs of anger or hatred in the "robot's" eyes, instead filled with compassion. Perhaps, in its own view, everything it did was akin to a priest guiding all worldly lost lambs to their path.

This was far more frightening than any criminal, having a strong obsession and willing to pay any price for it, even its own life.

"Rowena, you're the chosen one!"

Ethan was forced to join the battle.

"Since Old Sen had teased Rowena earlier, Rowena played dumb on the side."

The little purple bat spoke in a monotone voice, yet still flew to the opposite side of the mechanical mist-weaving antelope, preparing to engage in the battle.

Ethan thought of many strange move names, which she understood immediately upon hearing.

The subspace slash was her advanced application of cutting magic. After inheriting the memory and energy of the counterfeit God of Trickery, her original magical effects improved to varying degrees. The cutting magic broke through its bottleneck, and she also drew inspiration from the wind element, now starting to explore the "Space Slash" theory.